Originally from Cape Town, now based in Toronto, Jim Gelcer is a certified teacher in the classical Hatha Yoga (Śivananda) tradition and has been deepening his practice of yoga in various modalities (Hatha, Bikram, Ashtanga, Yin, Moksha, Anusara and others) for over ten years. Jim was given his spiritual name, Śiva, by Swami Swaroopananda, a senior disciple of Swami Vishnudevandanda, and Acharya for the Sivananda centers and ashrams on the west coast of the USA, the Middle East, Far East, and the Bahamas.

Jim believes that yoga opens up a world of possibilities – physically, emotionally and spiritually, teaching us who we are, and how we are connected to the universe.  He loves to share his passion for yoga, and to help others discover yoga’s transformative and healing powers.

Jim is known for his warm, soothing energy balanced with a teaching style that is concise and focused.  He uses a unique combination of pranayama (breathing exercises), asanas (yoga postures), chanting, and relaxation to create balanced, flowing and deeply meditative classes.

Jim has been teaching group and private lessons for several years in Toronto, the Laurentians, the United Kingdom, and on Paradise Island in the Bahamas at the Yoga Retreat and The Ocean Club.

References/Testimonials

  • "Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced yogi, Jim has a way of pointing out exactly those elements you need to work on to get more out of your practice. I always leave class feeling refreshed, inspired and completely relaxed. It is a joy to work with him."
    ~ YVETTE FARKAS
    Yoga Student
  • "Jim's class is a treat to my hectic schedule. His calm and warm energy sets a perfect tone for an amazing class."
    ~ CHRIS ITALIANO
    Co-owner, Live Organic Food Bar
  • "Jim is a very skilled and compassionate teacher, committed to working with each student to make sure they receive the most benefit from their yoga practice."
    ~ KATE MORGAN
    Yoga Teacher
  • "Jim is one of our most dedicated teachers. He is passionate about yoga and instills that passion in his students and all around him."
    ~ PRAHLADA
    Director, Śivananda Yoga Centre Toronto

Classes

Weekly class: Fridays 9:30 – 11am (Hatha)
Sivananda Yoga Center

Sundays, May 8, 15, 22: 11:45am – 1:15pm (Yin)
Yoga Plus Eglinton

“An ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory”

Class Playlists

List One

  • The Weight (Take A Load Off Fanny) 4:35 The Band The Band: Greatest Hits
  • Into The Mystic 3:31 Van Morrison Still On Top-The Greatest Hits
  • The Wind Cries Mary 3:21 Jimi Hendrix Experience Hendrix: The Best of Jimi Hendrix
  • Why 4:54 Annie Lennox Diva
  • Call And Answer 5:49 Barenaked Ladies Stunt
  • Make You Feel My Love 3:32 Adele 19 (Deluxe Edition)
  • Old Man 3:22 Neil Young Decade
  • Don’t Dream It’s Over 3:55 Crowded House Recurring Dream
  • Way Over Yonder 4:49 Carole King Tapestry
  • They Dance Alone (Gueca Solo) 7:12 Sting Nothing Like The Sun
  • Diamonds In The Sun 5:57 Girish Diamonds In The Sun
  • I Can’t 3:08 Ben Sollee Learning to Bend
  • Amelia 6:40 Joni Mitchell Shadows & Light [Disc 1]
  • When The Night Comes 4:11 DAN AUERBACH Keep It Hid
  • Spiritual 8:22 Charlie Haden & Pat Metheny Beyond The Missouri Sky (Short Stories)
  • Transformation 6:58 Dan Gibsons Solitudes India

List Two

  • Made You Move (Bonus Track) 2:47 Lykke Li Wounded Rhymes
  • Here Comes The Sun 3:04 The Beatles Abbey Road
  • The Weight (Take A Load Off Fanny) 4:35 The Band The Band: Greatest Hits
  • Someone Like You 4:47 Adele 21
  • The Wind Cries Mary 3:21 Jimi Hendrix Experience Hendrix: The Best of Jimi Hendrix
  • Way Over Yonder 4:49 Carole King Tapestry
  • When The Night Comes 4:11 DAN AUERBACH Keep It Hid
  • They Dance Alone (Gueca Solo) 7:12 Sting Nothing Like The Sun
  • I Can’t 3:08 Ben Sollee Learning to Bend
  • Make You Feel My Love 3:32 Adele 19 (Deluxe Edition)
  • Spiritual 8:22 Charlie Haden & Pat Metheny Beyond The Missouri Sky (Short Stories)
  • Transformation 6:58 Dan Gibsons Solitudes India

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